Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: Clawhammer and Old-Time Styles Forum Feed

Tune of the week for Nov. 20, 2009: Jeff Sturgeon

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:53:35 CST

Hey everyone! Tune o’ the Week time is here! And woohoo, I’m not late. #9786; So…my pick for this lovely mid-November week is… JEFF STURGEON I first heard this perfectly crooked tune in a jam at the Bluff Country Gathering in MN last year. A banjo player was rippin’ it up something awesome. I loved it so I went home and figured it out…with the help (I know, I’m such a cheater) of Dan Levenson’s Festival Tunes book. **So yes, for the post skimmers: look for tab in Dan Levenson’s Old-Time Festival Tunes book!** I was excited to research this tune because every time I play it I get this strange visual of a fish named Jeff. Brad Leftwich, in his “Learn to Play Old-Time Fiddle” DVD, says that this tune is from John Salyer (Eastern Kentucky) and sure enough, a google produced this fine recording from the Digital Library of Appalachia (recorded in 1940-1941): http://www.aca-dla.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/Berea&CISOPTR=1390&REC=19 **Note how he plays the C part 3x in the middle and again at the end of the recording #9786; - I like! I also found the following annotation in “Old-time Kentucky Fiddle Tunes” (Jeff Todd Titon) after a transcription of the tune: “…Salyer, the sole source musician for this tune, played a number of rare, local tunes in AEae with mixolydian melodic flavor. He learned it from Bob Johnson of Johnson County, KY. Jeff Sturgeon taught Johnson how to play fiddle (Bruce Greene, personal communication). This setting has a well-developed A part and an unusual exploration of the subtonic at the start of the B part.” Phew, so he’s not a fish! He is/was a real person! In order to fulfill the Tune o’ the Week research duties to my utmost, I did a whitepages search for Jeff and found 73 Jeff Sturgeons in the US. Seven of them live in Kentucky! Could he still be alive? Is one of them his son? Oh, the mystery is killing me! Does anyone in Kentucky know??? Back to the tune: There are some nice recordings of this tune on youtube. Here are just a few: Bruce Molsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz0WcPu5mEU Frosty Morn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-3E8VQ2ZsE clawhammerTim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_DRfO9x8Eg I tried to record my version, but every recording was cut short due to loud baby noises #9786;…I’ll keep trying and I’ll edit this post to include it if I’m successful. Okay, bring it on, people – more info on Jeff Sturgeon! All my best from sunny Colorado, Lori #9786;

My attempt to play June Apple at speed?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:47:49 CST

I'd like your comments and suggestions. I know I'm playing over my head, but I don't think I'll ever get it up to speed unless I do play a bit faster than I can play. Does that make any sense at all? Probably not, it doesn't sound like it does anyway :>) EDIT: It's played clawhammer style, and I haven't been playing that style but a few months. That might be part of the problem. It's on my music page, and you'll need to scroll down a way. Look for "June Apple'. Here's the URL that will take you to my music page: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/music.asp?id=2935 Thanks for any comments and suggestions. I would put it on 'sound off', but I think many of the people that visit that forum probably aren't interested in OT banjo, and I need some helpful suggestions from those that do like that kind of music. Thanks again, Bill Martin

Question about interperetation of tablature

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:17:01 CST

Hi everyone, I'm currently working on "Angeline the Baker", and am learning the version as tabbed out on Mike Iverson's website. Anyway, I need to know how to interpret something on the tab. In the last beat of the first measure, you slur up from open C to open D, and there's a lower case 'p' under the open D. How is this played? I have been striking the C and then dragging my nail up to catch the D. Does the 'p' mean "pick"? Would that mean that if I strike the C with my index that I would pick the D with my middle finger or something like that? I can't imagine in my mind that it means "pull off". How would you pull off from one open string to another? Mike's mp3 of the song is so fluid and smooth that I can't make out what he's doing there. Any help is greatly appreciated. Regards, Jeff

well good for me

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:49:38 CST

well i finally made the big move and put light guage strings on my one and only banjo so that i could try it that way tuning it up to A or double D and in fact it plays and sounds much better now in those tunings than it did before when i either capoed to or tuned up to with medium guage strings although i need to find an odd ball guage for my fifth string (a whole other story), but no matter for now, unfortunately the banjo now sounds and feels lousy when tuned down, so my need for a second banjo is still pretty much a problem, for now i guess i'll just be happy that the majority of tunes i play i can now play in the key it was meant for, just too bad the tunes i am listening to the most lately are in C and G (blues), funny how that works. My thanks to those at the forum that told me that was what they did.

question about minstrel stroke style

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:16:00 CST

I was wondering if someone could explain the differences between clawhammer and the minstrel stroke style. It looks like the thumb floats and plays more of the melody than it would in a clawhammer style. I am interested in learning this style, can anyone recommend a good starting point? I already play clawhammer well. does anyone ever play this style on steel string fretted banjos? I traded my tackhead for my ome so that is my only playing option as off right now.

Transposing from Key of G to C

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:03:35 CST

There is a fiddle tune than I learned to play in Open G. The original tune is played in C and I am having a darned time trying to figure out what tuning is appropriate (I want to play this in C as well). I know what notes I need, but in terms of the double thumbing required to play the melody, the notes need to be on adjacent strings and for the life of me I am having trouble. As it is now, I have notes that need to be on adjacent strings for double thumbing on a single string and this just won't work (it just doesn't sound the same using pull-offs/hammer-ons o get from ntoe to note on the single string). Is it as simple as retuning the strings until you find the fingering that works best? If a song is in the Key of C, is it as simple as tuning to one of the C tunings (e.g. Open C, Double C, etc.) and figuring it out using one of those? Will a song in the Key of C work better sometime in another tuning (besides open C, double C, etc) depending upon where the notes fall? A lot of questions but perhaps some ligth can be shed. Thanks.

Success!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:20:39 CST

I must scream and shout from the roof top! I have finally memorized I'll Fly Away! Now, you are probably thinking, "Are you bloody stupid?! You've been working on that tune for 2 months now!" I plead the 5th the first count, and guilty on the second. I am distracted by learning a lot of different instruments at one time and banjo I have to keep the practice list organized and give every instrument its due. I've focusing more on proper clawhammer technique, consistently frailing the string, working in the thumb action on the 5th string, practicing pull-offs and hammer-ons...and mixed into that...actual songs. Now, to get keep working on this song and embellish it with all the glory a banjo can and also begin working on Angel Band and Dream of a Miner's Child. I fell in love with that secnd one a week ago when I heard it on the radio. Okay, back to my slow learning, I can hear the fiddle begging for its turn.

Changing tuning from Double D to A

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:48:10 CST

I keep my banjo tuned aDADE. I went to a jam last weekend where most of the folks played tunes out of D for most of the evening. At one ploint we switched over to playing tunes in A. A few of the fellas there tuned their banjos to A by tuning two strings, one to C# (I think) and the other I'm not sure of. Pretty sure they didn't retune the drone string. Anyone know whats going on here? I'd like to find the tuning so I can start playing along with some of the recordings I made.

Help: Tunes To Play Along With

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:05:00 CST

My instructor told me about this site and said it was really useful. Boy, was he right. Loads of fun. My question is this: Are there tunes in the media archives a beginner can play along with and how do I find them? As a beginner my abilities are, shall we say, untapped. If possible I would like to pull up a tune and start a loop where I can practice my hand positions and rhythm/beats. A simple tune I can repeat mindlessly for hours on end is what I'm looking for. It would be nice to have the basic tuning and clawhammer tabs or music to go with it, too. Thanks in advance. Rick Goad

Swannanoa Tunnel tab

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:03:16 CST

Somewhere along the way I seemed to have lost my tab for Swannanoa Tunnel before I had a chance to learn it. Can anyone hook me up with another? I can't remember where I got the 1st one, but I think it was on this forum.

devil with devil

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:20:41 CST

Can anybody tell me the chords to the devil with the devil?? Please&&Thank you.

Muting/damping techniques, beginner

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:24:20 CST

I've been working on the details of a song to practise my tone and try to get a better sound ("Battle in the horseshoe" from Mike Seegers DVD). When I play the melody I find that all the strings resonates and makes the sound really cluttered. I am hitting the melody notes clean and distinctive. But it's the strings that isn't beeing played that makes the irritating noise. In some parts of the tune I can make a dampening percussive stroke on the "dit". Is there any other techniques I can use to mute the ringing strings? (The banjo is a GT WL-250)

What if ?? Combining versions of a tune?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:01:21 CST

Good afternoon, I want to learn to play "Sourwood Mountain"...now old uncle art (arthritis) is keeping me from smoothly playing the "correct" notes for the version by Charles I. Kelly A part (4th measure run using drop thumbing)..just can't get the last drop thumb to the 4th string. BUT... the version by Dwight Diller (tab section BHO) A part, last 2 notes in the measure is a bit different and sounds ok using the last 2 notes instead.... I'll also have the same concern in the "B" part too...when I get there.... So, the question is this: sometimes do you "combine" two versions of a tune to make a tune that sounds good and you can play smoothly? "If" I was ever to play this tune along with someone else...would 2 notes in a measure really make that much of a difference...or will the "Tune Police" get upset?? [:p] Keep on the "sunny side"! Don

mike seeger: sailor and the soilder

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:50:39 CST

Hello, I really love this song, can anyone get me started on how to play it? Thanks a lot

What exactly is syncopating?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:03:21 CST

I'm sorry if it's a dumb question. Im JUST getting into making music. stop progress.

REVIEW of clawhammer pick

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:54:16 CST

REVIEW of Clawhammer picks made from ping pong balls, designed by John Balch: I was just on the road for a couple of weeks. About half way through my trip I broke about half of the tip of my clawhammer finger nail. I managed to shape the nail with an emery board well enough to play but I realized that having no backup was foolhardy. Sure I can play with no nail, but I prefer having the nail. So, last weekend I made my first John Balch Clawhammer pick from a ping pong ball and it works GREAT! The ping pong ball material can be easily shaped with an emery board just as you would a finger nail. The material actually behaves very similar to a finger nail. It isn't like playing with a metal pick or plastic pick at all. It produces a sound nearly identical to your natural fingernail. And I am told that ping pong picks last for years. I tested the sound out on my family and they say they are hard pressed to tell the difference in an A/B comparison. I agree with them too! I can tell the differance but being the banjoist, my ear is probably more sensitive in this regard. So if you are like me and basically detest finger picks, and don't want an acrylic nail (because you like your natural nail best) but, you need to have a backup in case of an accident, I really believe this is probably the closest solution with regard to simulating the sound and feel of your natural nail. And it is comfortable to wear too! Here is the link to John’s instructions: [url]http://www.johnbalchmusic.com/picks.html[/url] Here is my CH pick: [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/40254-144431616112009.jpg[/img]

Just wanna say thanks!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:38:49 CST

Hi, I am new to the clawhammer world and would like to say thanks to everyone for the warm welcome I have received here in the old-time forums. I want to extend my thanks to OldWoodChuckB and all his compadre's who helped him compile the information from RocketScienceBanjo. I have been using this and am really enjoying it! To give this as a free resource, which I know took you guys lots of time and trouble to come up with, is a very kind thing indeed. [:D] Especially for a beginner like me who doesn't really have much to go by other than a banjo and the internet. Just wanted to let you know that it is much appreciated Tony and friends! Mandy[;)] www.tynergraphics.com www.tilstuff.com

African clawhammer banjo question.........

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:58:40 CST

Hey guys, I have a question: since the banjo is based on traditional african instruments, what tuning did they origionally use, and are there any clawhammer songs out there that are based on traditional African music?

Johnson Boys

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:26:21 CST

I'm presently obsessed with the fine old tune Johnson Boys. I'm curious about whether there is a somewhat standard version as to number of parts, how many times the part are played, etc. Recordings tend to vary, and my only tab version is that of John Burke, which progresses as: ABBCDDE Cheers, Matt

Nylon guitar strings

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:14:32 CST

If I wanted to use nylon guitar strings on my old banjo made for nylon strings, I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask. First, which of the many brands available are thought to be "best", in the sense of playing old time music? I play mainly clawhammer and thumb lead 2-finger nowadays. Secondly, given a set of 6 strings, which five do I use on the banjo? Thanks for your help. Bill Martin

Cluck over head

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:25:11 CST

Hey all, I have been working for a while with trying to get a good consistent "cluck" over the head of the banjo and I have not had a lot of success. I am working from the instruction at Rocket Science Banjo, and for some reason I can just not get it. Has anyone encountered some basic troubleshooting thoughts in regards to teaching or achieving the cluck sound? Thanks for the help.[:D]

"Getting drive with Liza Jane" by Cathy Moore

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:10:24 CST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKVQXAAzxbE[url][/url] Cathy Moore's upcoming Australian workshop has been getting attention on the hangout, lately. For those who have not yet been introduced to this inspiring clawhammer player, here's a video, called "Getting drive with Liza Jane," which demonstrates Cathy's remarkable (and friendly) teaching skills. It's amazing to watch her break down - and make understandable - some highly sophisticated techniques in such a short period of time. Her website http://banjomeetsworld.wordpress.com/[url][/url] is a gold mine of her freely offered instructional material and great tunes - familiar to exotic. Her focus on what she calls "danceability," in clawhammer playing, is an extremely useful perspective on bringing tunes to life. Paul http://www.banjocrazy.com/ Gold Tone Banjos - Lowest Prices http://www.youtube.com/user/strumstering Paul's YouTube Channel

Question on tabs?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:57:08 CST

I have seen on several tabs a fret number on a string with a dot behind it, what does this mean? [?] Look Upward "Till He Comes"

clawhammer tag ending/lick?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:13:33 CST

Hey guys. I know I need to take things slow, but I'd really like to know at least one ending lick in clawhammer style so that all these simple practice tunes I'm learning don't feel so incomplete, ya know? For instance, after playing a G tuning, scruggs-style song, no matter how simple, it always gives my brain a sense of completeness to end it with a basic G lick or a salty dog lick into a G if I'm feeling frilly. Is there a comparable tag ending or lick that I can use to this end? Especially for the standard learning tunes like Cumberland Gap and Cripple Creek -- I can plunk them out pretty well in clawhammer style now, but I have no idea how to end them like I did with that G-lick (or similar) in scruggs style. ____________________________ billyshake: The #1 Banjo Player on the Sub-Continent! (of course, that's assuming I'm the ONLY banjo player on the sub-continent)

Tune of the Week 11/13/09: Lo Baked a Hoe Cake

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:31:30 CST

“Low Baked a Hoe Cake” I have been tending to my daughter who’s been home quite sick with the flu this week, so sweet and slow tunes have been on my mind and under my fingers. She loves “Low Baked a Hoe Cake” particularly, and since not many of the “Tuna’s” have been banjo songs to sing, I thought I’d throw this one out there for that reason as well. (I also already have a tab and recording for it, so that my tired old self can cut down on the legwork!) I caught this song from Elizabeth Cotton’s fabulous version on the great double CD, the "North Carolina Banjo Collection." [Don't have? Get! The book is worth the price.) I agree wholeheartedly with Molly Tenenbaum’s comments in a review of the collection for the Old Time Herald: “I find Libba Cotton's ‘Low Baked a Hoecake’ extremely beautiful---slow, rhythmic frailing between the single-note melody lines under Libba's sweet light voice---it's a dreamy sort of song.” http://www.oldtimeherald.org/archive/back_issues/volume-6/6-6/reviews.html#ncb One thing that's always bugged me is that I don't think she's singing that a hoecake was baking in a low position, hence the title "Low Baked a Hoe Cake." Nor do I think that low refers to it being unleavened and pretty flat. I think that Low is a name, like Lois. Sometimes I think it sounds more like the name Lu. Anyway, a person named Lo bakes the cake, and sets Jem to mind it. I usually title the tune "Lo Baked a Hoe Cake" for this reason. Pedant? you bet! Here’s a link to a preview of Cotton’s version, and Amazon purchase options if you’re so inclined: http://www.amazon.com/Low-Baked-a-Hoe-Cake/dp/B0012A7ZCI Here’s my version on the old homepage: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/media-player/audio_player2.asp?musicid=12238 There’s a bare-bones tab with the verse Cotton sings on my homepage “photo” page: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=19586 Here’s a You-Tube instrumental version by Mahoney2100 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS9zib9coBY Wikipedia (gasp!!) gives some info on the hoecake. “Hoecake is a type of thin cornbread made of cornmeal, salt, and water, which is baked on a griddle. It became known as "hoecake" because field hands often cooked it on a shovel or hoe held to an open flame. Hoes designed for cotton fields were large and flat with a hole for the long handle to slide through. The blade would be removed and placed over a fire much like a griddle. In the southern states of the USA, hoecake may also refer to bread made from flour, oil (or shortening), and buttermilk and then cooked in a round skillet. The mix is the same used for biscuits but because they are baked on top of the stove the taste is significantly different. Though some people may bake the bread instead. Hoecake is notably the namesake of the cakewalk dance form. During the 19th century, slaveholders would hold dance competitions for their slaves, offering hoecake as a reward to the winner. Then known as the chalk line dance, the form became known as the cakewalk when it rose to prominence with the advent of ragtime music. The hoecake is also known as the johnny-cake, the Shawnee cake, the ash cake, and the no cake.” “Lo” is related to the folk song “Snake Baked a Hoe Cake,” but they’re not the same tune, and “Snake” seems more obvious and less dreamy to me. All that said, Jody Stecher does a very cool banjo version of “Snake Baked a Hoe Cake,” which was reissued in 2000 on the CD “Going Up on the Mountain.” Zepp’s tuning page describes the tuning Stecher uses. http://www.amazon.com/Going-Up-On-The-Mountain/dp/B000S576R2/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1258149836&sr=301-1 [I have no commercial connection to Amazon, I just buy mp3’s from them (a dangerous thing!).] Finally, this came across the old interweb while I was searching for versions. For me, this is kind of ouch! “The traditional folk song, Snake Baked a Hoe Cake, performed by the St. Petersburg College Madrigalians. This performance was part of the St. Petersburg College Concert Chorus' Spring Concert "The World of Randall Thompson." Directed by Dr. Vernon Taranto, Jr. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2U3JZOAQPk Enjoy, and stay healthy! Ted Handsup8

Maybe our musical roots aren't what we thought?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:43:00 CST

Just kidding. But I heard some music played by a Borneo headhunter tribesman on TV the other day. It was hard to hear it real well because a narrator was talking, but I could hear the music in the background. It looked like the guy was playing something that looked like a dulcimer, but he was holding it like we'd hold a guitar -- I'd say sort of sideways dulcimer playing. The neat thing was that the music sounded just like it came right out of the appalachians -- it wasn't played in some weird scale or tempo, it sounded great. In fact, I put it on my DVR and I may try to play it on the banjo or ( blush ) even my dulcimer -- holding it sideways, of course.

new to the site

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:28:08 CST

hey all, my name is Denny. i live in warren ar i actually have been working on learning the guitar. while i was looking online for a good starter guitar for my daughter, i found a beginner banjo from rouge for about $150. i thought what the heck so i bought it. got the thing in a and started plucking on it ( i had already looked up the tab for the opening lick in dueling banjos) im hooked. i decided that since i didnt know to buy picks and such, that i would try learning claw hammer. i remebered this site from the flat pickers hangout, so i came here and started looking around. also googled claw hammer banjo, and went to you tube. came across a fella named david holt and liked the little piece from his beginner banjo dvd, and i liked it. i just wonder if any of you have seen this dvd, and what are your thoughts? its only $20 for the first one, so im thinking what the heck, but i would like some advice. thanks to all Denny

How far up to tune a string?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:52:58 CST

I've no doubt this has been discussed many times elsewhere on this board, but I couldn't find a thread. On the zeppmusic.com site there are tunings listed that use an F on the 4th string. I'd have thought that you'd end up breaking a lot of strings that way - anyone regularly use any? I ask cos I briefly played a few tunes in this tuning last night: d F G Bflat D (It's a long story, but basically I had worked out some songs on a charango on which I'd totally misunderstood the tuning instructions in a Spanish-language teach-yourself book and tuned it E G A C E. Having discovered my mistake, I thought that I could just about contrive a similar tuning on the banjo and maybe play the tunes I'd worked out on that...) Anyway, I didn't play for very long in that tuning cos I was scared about breaking a string, or putting too much pressure on the banjo with that F on the 4th string. Am I being over-cautious? I'd be interested to hear from folks as to how far up to push a string... myspace.com/matthewradmoremilton

fast clawhammer

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:21:57 CST

What are good tunes to play on banjo that are meant to be played fast and are good to dance to? stop progress.

Beginner jamming question

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:18:03 CST

I just began playing clawhammer about 4 months ago. I think im good enough now to jam with other string players. I was wondering how a guitar or ukulele would be played along with clawhammer banjo. I've only ever jammed with a washboard and harmonica player so I don't know much. I need tips for myself and for my guitar playing buddies for starting to jam together. We're all sorta beginners so go easy on us. Thank you! stop progress.

Maintaining the Repertoire

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:46:38 CST

Over the last few days, I've inadvertently entered a period of repertoire expansion. It all started when I decided to make a version of "Standing on the Promises," a song that I grew up with. (It actually really started with the Genesis project and morphed into this, but that's a different story). I love the Will Keys version on "Banjo Original." I enjoyed playing it so much that I started remembering other church songs that I grew up with and today downloaded the index from the hymnal that we used all through my childhood and adolescence. I spent the evening playing through some of the songs I remember, noting the ones that jumped out for future development. I was particularly taken by "He's Coming Soon," which is the melody from "Aloha 'Oe" by Queen Lili#699;uokalani. (Oh yeah, listening to Joseph Spence play his incredible versions of some of these songs nudged me in this direction too). I can see this becoming a major project and taking up a great deal of my playing time. It feels closer to the genuine folk process to me in some ways, because these are songs that I can't remember not knowing. I was immersed in them from the first Sunday after I was born, three times a week. I don't have to invent variants; I hear them already. It's just a matter of finding them on the banjo. And most of the "church music" I grew up with was written in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, so it goes nicely on the banjo anyway. BUT...I've also got two bands brewing (how did THAT happen), both of which are playing the fiddle tunes and banjo songs I've been immersed in for the last twelve months. And I don't want to "lose" that part of my repertoire. Also, a majority of the "church" songs seem to fall nicely in Double C, at least in part because it opens up the possibility of bass runs that you can't get in Open G. But I don't want to lose my Open G sensibilities. So, I've found myself with, I fear, not enough playing time to do everything I want to do. Any advice out there about (a) how to maintain existing repertoire while expanding another part of it and (b) maintaining conversance in one tuning while spending a majority of time in another? Jami [img] http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/small/37287-14820203032009.jpg [/img] "When you want genuine music—music that will come right home to you like a bad quarter, suffuse your system like strychnine whiskey…ramify your whole constitution like the measles, and break out on your hide like the pin-feather pimples on a picked goose—when you want all this, just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!" - Mark Twain

best tab book

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:38:23 CST

I am looking for a tab book, for my wife to buy me for Christmas. If you had to buy just one clawhammer book, what would you recommend? Im a new banjo player, but am progressing rapidly---------------Im not looking for a tab book of watered down beginners tabs. Are there tab books that come with CDs?, Any suggestions? Thanks!

washboard/scrub board

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:27:43 CST

Anybody play the washboard/scrub board? Thinking of giving it a whirl in a few places. I just love to irritate people. Seriously though, it does have a history, I'm just curious about folks here on the hangout. David Holt has it on one of his you tube videos and it is quite good. Well, hmmm, if that don't crank your truck.

Ralph Stanley's Clawhammer style

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:26:29 CST

I love Ralph Stanley's Clawhammer style. I have tried all kinds of combinations and permutations but have not come close to Ralph's style in timing and sound. Can anyone out there in Banjo Hangout land give me a Clue? Any clue at all would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. ROYWBOY

Poll: Foot-tapping

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:44:06 CST

Do you generally tap your foot on the downbeat ("bum") or the offbeat ("dit")? Tom

Winder Slide tab 2-finger style

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:36:05 CST

Would anyone have this or know where I can find it. I am trying to use the tab I found on the Hangout for clawhammer but I'm lost as to what to do where the brush is. The pick up with the index in place of the downstrike I understand but the brush? thank you Harry

Dock Boggs

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:02:03 CST

Dock Boggs is easily in my top five blues-man list. I think his sound was incredibly original. But until now, I've never thought about how, exactly, he was playing that banjo. Can someone offer info on that? ____________________________ billyshake: The #1 Banjo Player on the Sub-Continent! (of course, that's assuming I'm the ONLY banjo player on the sub-continent)

Ditty-Bum

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:43:15 CST

I had one of those "Duh!" moments last night, and wanted to explore it a bit deeper. Brian's tab to Moses Hoe the Corn employs the use of what I would call the ditty-bum emphasis. For example, in the 4th measure of the tune, the ditty falls on the on beat, and the bum on the off beat. Far more typically, in standard tablature, the bum falls on the on beat, and the ditty on the off beat. This tendency throughout Moses Hoe the Corn gives this particular approach to the tune a lovely, different feel, a feel that I've often heard in a few other folks' playing but have never been able to really identify. I know that from this point on I'm really going to be exploring this feel more and more. So, I'm curious. Why do we not see more of this approach in standard tab books? Is it that uncommon? Is it considered awkward by some? Is it, somehow, less traditional? Or has it been there all along and I'm just seeing it for the first time? And, of course, lastly, am I imagining this different feel? Cheers, Matt

right hand technique Qs

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:06:28 CST

Coming from scruggs-style, I'm finding myself in this lop-sided place where my left hand is moving much more efficiently and quickly than my right hand as it adjusts to clawhammer. For instance, I have four beats: 3rd string hammer-on @ 0-2, 2nd string hammer-on @ 0-1, and then an open 1st bum-ditty. Is it okay technique that I let my plectrum finger pick through the first beat to land on the second and then just "push" through it and push the first as well without my 'claw' coming back up and out for each of those strikes? Hope that made sense. Is there a fairly standardized BHO forum nomenclature used to describe this type of detailed question/discussion? Thanks, billyshake ____________________________ billyshake: The #1 Banjo Player on the Sub-Continent! (of course, that's assuming I'm the ONLY banjo player on the sub-continent)

Another newb question

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:39:14 CST

Ok, so now I am using my middle finger to play. The thing is now that I am using my middle, my index wants to be in the way all the time and it will randomly hit a string here and there and mess me up. I really like the way it sounds to use the middle and it just feels better and all, so I'm wondering if this is going to be a problem? I've tried to curl it up and back, but I just can't keep it there. I end up with it sticking straight out and it does look funny, but it's what feels the most comfortable to me. So should I try and break myself of this? Will it become a problem for me later down the road as I get better? Does anyone else do this or am I just special? LOL Or am I just worrying to much and should probably just shut up and play? Thanks, hope you don't mind my questions. I really want to do this right. Mandy[;)] www.tynergraphics.com www.tilstuff.com

Timing

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:37:38 CST

As usual I'm a little confused. Maybe this shold be in the muic theory section. I've been printing out some fiddle style tunes for the banjo from banjr web site and notice they are in 2/4 time instead of 4/4. The Earl Scruggs book says that the lower number is the kind of note that gets one beat and the upper number tells how many beats to a measure. I'm used to tapping my foot and going (1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and) in 4/4 timing. These tabs have anywhere from 1 note to 8 notes per measure. What does this actually mean in 2/4 timing? Phil - MO

Lynn Morris banjo on her teaching DVD

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:13:49 CST

What kind of resonator banjo is Lynn Morris playing on her "Murphy Method" banjo instruction DVD ? I love the looks of it and cannot read the head to see what kind it is. Johnny Knowles

scruggs vs. clawhammer tab

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:20:51 CST

is it possible to play clawhammer using a scruggs style tab?

clawhammer version of "dueling banjos"

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:19:43 CST

I am looking for a clawhammer tab for "dueling banjos", especially the tab written for one banjo. Any suggestions?

claw hammer version of "dixie"

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:18:12 CST

Every tab I find of "dixie" is for scruggs style, is there a claw hammer tab for "dixie"?

First 'Enjoyable' Jam

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:56:58 CST

I finally pushed myself out the door and went to the jam session at Paddy Reilly's bar in NYC. Took 1 1 /2 years to do it. I found a nice group of warm and friendly people - not at all like my experience at another NYC jam several months ago. I had a good time but with 20+ instruments (I believe I was the only CH player) it was hard to even hear myself play. The good part of that is I could really crank down on the banjo and sing as loud as I cared to - no one could hear! But it's only the first step. I'm hoping to find some jam members who want to get together outside to play and practice. I brought my Gold Tone WL - left Bart Reiter at home to stay with the dog. I also found that the 5th string (#10) when capoed up sounds way too tinny and even offensive to my ear. Anyone have experience with a slightly heavier string?? Vincent Banjogh http://www.phillevine.com

Little Margaret tuning?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:32:02 CST

Does anyone know what tuning is used in Tom, Brad and Alice's version of "Little Margaret" on their Holly Ding album? I've been trying aCGDD, but it just doesn't sound right and I can't seem to twist the strings into another set that works. Thanks.

how to play clawhammer

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:00:53 CST

I been playing bluegrass banjo for 44 years but i want to learn how to play clawhammer for fun .. it it thumb -thumb and then middle finger stum down. any help would behelpful.thanks stan.[:D] always remember the father and son in heaven

Hey. First post on BHO

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:46:21 CST

Hey, everybody. I just bought a 5 string openback and am learning it, so I figured I'd better get acquainted here. I'll be learning some clawhammer and 2-finger style picking. If anyone has good info/sites/leads/books on the 2-finger stuff, I'd be highly interested. I love the Wade Mainer playing and that style. He is really great, in my book. I have a Fiddle Hangout site and plopped some sound files from there over to here. No banjo stuff yet. It'll come oneday. Thanks, yall.

Fretless banjo too specialized?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 04:51:59 CST

I'm finding myself gravitating more and more to playing the fretless banjo. When I first bought it, I played it for maybe a few minutes every week or two. Now I'm playing it almost as much as I do my other ones. I love those nice smooth slides. I try not to over-do them, but.... Now here's something that has me concerned: When I play a tune that needs lots of full chords, I tend to use the fretted banjo. It seems easier to get good-sounding chords with a fretted banjo than with a fretless one. That makes me wonder if I'm working myself into a corner. Any ideas on tha subject? I'd especially like to hear from fretless players. One thing I'm finding that I get from the fretless is better left hand position. Especially if I make chords, I have to have my left hand on the strings in very good position, lest I play some notes a bit sharp or flat. With frets, it's easy to be somewhat lackadaisical in that regard, but I can't get away with that when I play the fretless.